Wednesday, July 9, 2008; Posted: 6:33 p.m. (CDT)
Anthony Hartfield was driving down the road when he made a shocking discovery.
Hartfield says, "I thought it was some trash in the middle of the street but when I pulled up close to them, it was bodies."
He called 911 for help.
"I saw a lot of blood on the first girls head," says Hartfield. "She had a lot of blood rushing down."
Orange paint now marks the spot where the hit and run occurred. It happened along Northeast 10th near Woodside Drive in Midwest City. Police identified the victims as 18-year-old Jasmine Lee and her friend 19-year-old Rosemary Taylor. According to authorities, they were crossing the street at about 10:00 Tuesday night.
Midwest City Police Chief, Brandon Clabes, says, "The 18-year-old suffered critical injuries and is at a local area hospital. She's a hero because apparently, she pushed the 19-year-old out of the way so she wouldn't take the brunt force from the accident."
Lee's family did not want to give interviews but they did release a statement.
"The family of Jasmine Lee requests your prayers and thoughts at this time of grief and tragedy. OU Medical Center is doing everything they can for Jasmine, and friends and family are here for support."
Another man who works in the area and doesn't want to be identified saw the aftermath of the accident. He says, "That's awful! They're young, they're just starting off in life to have something like that happen."
The man believes changes need to be made to the area where the crime occurred to better protect people especially children.
He says, "There's probably 5,000 children in the area."
He says the street light was out Tuesday night and needs be fixed. He also says a crosswalk should be added. We contacted city officials for comment but have not heard back from them yet.
In the meantime, the hope is authorities will catch the person responsible for the crime.
Hartfield says, "I hope they get him because that's low down and dirty what they did. They should have at least come back."
As for 19-year-old Rosemary Taylor she was released from the hospital.
Investigators say the suspect could face felony charges.
Police say they are looking for a four door, dark colored vehicle. The suspect is described as a black male. If you have any information call Midwest City Police at 739-1306.
